“Yes, but…” is unfortunately the answer I expected.

Unless we can earnestly answer, “YES!” without hesitation or veiled motive, we will not reach anyone that is suspicious of church. Even with a church in a brewery.

Charlene Cothran’s story is an interesting example to me, because the turning point was precipitated by a simple conversation. It wasn’t from a church visit. Cothran had a working relationship as a result of her publishing that allowed that conversation to take place.

I’ve been blessed to have friendships with many people, even those that churches reject: wiccans, gays, alcoholics, body-artists, deists and others. If I didn’t genuinely want to know each of those friends, the conversations that prompt such turning points to happen would never take place. These friendships were built over time, out of genuine brotherly love, not out of a desire to change them. A few have become close enough that we can openly discuss their rejection from church and the love and healing that Christ offers them.

I agree that all of us at Sojourn are sinners. But pride, greed, lust, nor any other sin has its own tag on this website. I’m not asking Sojourn to condone homosexuality. I’m pleading to drop this preoccupation with calling it out. It’s the digital-age equivalent of posting “Straights Only” on the front door.

Let’s show people love and compassion first. Until you do, you’ll continue to reject the ones you hope to change.